Wanna go to the Tribe's home opener? You're too late

Six minutes.That should tell the Dolans all they needed to know about the Indians' offseason.The Tribe's home opener sold out this morning in less time than it takes some of us to decide if we want to make a Pop-Tart a central part of our breakfast.Having the Yankees on the schedule April 8 certainly doesn't hurt, but consider the following dates the Tribe provided today:Since the Indians pushed back the start of their single-game ticket sales, their home opener sold out on March 30 (2009), April 8 (2010), March 24 (2011) and March 15 (2012).That time frame was accelerated anywhere from 18 days (compared to last season) to six weeks (compared to 2010) with today's announcement.

The heightened interest, of course, follows an offseason in which the Tribe signed Nick Swisher (four years, $56 million), Michael Bourn (four years, $48 million), Brett Myers (one year, $7 million) and Mark Reynolds (one year, $6 million). If Swisher, Bourn and Myers play enough to trigger bonus years on their deals, the Indians will have shelled out $151 million for four players.And it's already paying off at the box office.We already explained the reasons behind the Tribe's splurge, but it is still gratifying to see the following point hammered home: If you spend more money on your team, there is a darn good chance you will make a heck of a lot more on it, too. Two other highlights from the Indians' front office today:

FanPass paperless ticketing will allow season-ticket holders to manage and distribute their tickets online, and use their credit card as entry into Progressive Field.

A new Tribe Rewards program for season-ticket holders could include such benefits as throwing out a ceremonial first pitch, taking batting practice, or joining radio announcers Tom Hamilton and Mike Rosenhaus in the booth.

Sadly, spending a few innings in the bullpen with the likes of Chris Perez, Vinnie Pestano and Joe Smith wasn't named as one of the perks.

Odds and ends

Browns fans should be encouraged by this South Florida Sun Sentinel report last week that the Dolphins' top target in free agency will be Steelers receiver Mike Wallace.With as much as $50 million in salary-cap space, the Browns certainly can afford to get in a bidding war for Wallace. Here's hoping they don't.I've watched Wallace take pages out of the Randy Moss playbook — run hard for a play, take the next three off — for the majority of his career. He isn't worth $12 million per year. I'm not sure he's worth half that.

With Last Friday's addition of Michael Bourn, the Tribe now has four replica home jerseys on its 2013 promotional schedule. Bourn's replica jersey will be given to the first 10,000 fans through the turnstiles on Sept. 7 against the Mets. The two-time All-Star outfielder joins Swisher (Aug. 24), Jason Kipnis (June 15) and Michael Brantley (July 27) on the jersey giveaway schedule.

This is a cool idea by the Cavaliers. You have until March 14 to nominate someone in your community for the team's EveryFAN Night. Do it for the good of the person you have in mind.Heck, do it for the Budweiser foosball table he or she can win.You can follow me on Twitter for sports information, analysis and more ideas about getting Chris Perez involved in every Indians promotion.

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